Fires close parts of the Pacific Crest Trail

ROSEBURG, Ore. — Two wildfires broke out on the Diamond Lake Ranger District of the Umpqua National Forest late Tuesday afternoon near Windigo Butte. The fires are burning in timber approximately six miles northeast of Lemolo Lake. Firefighting resources were quick to respond to the smoke reports.

Rappel firefighters were lowered by helicopter to the Cow Horn Fire and surrounded the fire with handline. The Cow Horn Fire is estimated at 0.25-acre.

The Butte Fire, located north of the Mount Thielsen Wilderness, quickly grew to 75 acres, spotting over the Pacific Crest Trail on to the Deschutes National Forest. Eight smoke jumpers deployed to begin suppression efforts.

The active fire behavior and proximity to several popular hiking trails has prompted Forest officials to close the following roads and trails:

· Pacific Crest Trail 2000 is closed at intersection of Trail 2000 and 3641 (Willamette National Forest) southeast to intersection of Trail 2000 and 1466 (Umpqua National Forest)

· Forest Service Road 60 from junction of Road 60 and 6000-700 (Umpqua National Forest) to junction of FS Road 60 and 6020 (Deschutes National Forest)

· Forest Service Trail 1412 is closed at intersection of Trail 1412 and Pacific Crest Trail southwest to junction of Trail 1412 and 1445 (Umpqua National Forest)

· Forest Service Trail 1455 is closed from FS Road 60 to junction of Trail 1494 (Umpqua National Forest)

· Forest Service Trail 2845 is closed from junction of Trail 3845 and 3846 southwest to junction of FS Road 60

A type 3 incident management team will assume command of the two fires Wednesday morning, August 15.